Seventh Day Research Articles

Production and Characterization of Electrospun Chitosan, Nanochitosan and Hyaluronic Acid Membranes for Skin Wound Healing.

The development of new wound dressings made from biomaterials, which offer a better cost-benefit ratio and accelerate the healing process, is increasing nowadays. Various biopolymers can be electrospun to form functional membranes for wound healing. Therefore, in this study, chitosan and nanochitosan membranes with or without hyaluronic acid were prepared using the electrospinning technique, characterized and evaluated in the healing of skin wounds in rats. Chitosan and nanochitosan solutions, with or without hyaluronic acid, were prepared at concentrations of 1%-4% using PEO (polyethylene oxide) and subjected to the electrospinning process to obtain membranes characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical tests, and antimicrobial activity. The healing effect of the membranes was evaluated by monitoring the area of the lesions, contraction of the wounds, histologic analysis, and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1 α and TNF-α) production in rats. The nanochitosan and nanochitosan membranes with hyaluronic acid achieved greater fiber diameter and uniformity, resistance, elasticity, and thermal stability, in addition to good adhesion to the wound bed and permeation capacity. Despite not presenting antimicrobial activity in vitro, they contributed to the production of pro-inflammatory interleukins in the animals tested, provided physical protection, reduced the wound area more markedly until the seventh day of the evaluation, with an acceleration of the healing process and especially when functionalized with hyaluronic acid. These results indicate that the membranes may be promising for accelerating the healing process of chronic wounds in humans.

Pressure Pain Hyperalgesia Expressed by Topographical Pressure Pain Sensitivity after Cardiac Surgery.

We aim to evaluate changes in pressure pain sensitivity before and after cardiac surgery using topographical sensitivity maps utilizing a pressure algometer. Pressure pain thresholds over 17 thoracic points and 4 distant pain-free points were assessed in 70 patients (women: 29, age: 67.5 years), before and at 1, 3, and 7 postoperative days. Thoracic topographical pressure pain sensitivity maps were calculated at all follow-ups. Postoperative pain was recorded at each follow-up on a numerical pain rate scale. Postoperative pain intensity decreased from 6.4 (SD 1.0) on the first postoperative day to 5.5 (SD 1.9) on the third and to 4.5 (SD 1.7) on the seventh day (p < 0.001). The mixed-model ANOVA revealed that the lowest pressure pain thresholds were observed one day after surgery, increased slightly during follow-up, and were lower at the xiphoid process. Significant negative correlations between postoperative pain intensity and pressure pain thresholds were observed at each time point in thoracic measures (all, p < 0.01), but not with pressure pain thresholds from distant pain-free areas. Postoperative pain after cardiac surgery can be objectively quantified using algometry. Pressure pain hyperalgesia was associated with the intensity of postoperative pain.

Changes of Procalcitonin Kinetics According to Renal Clearance in Critically Ill Patients with Primary Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between procalcitonin (PCT) kinetic and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in critically ill patients who had Gram-negative primary bloodstream infection (GN-BSI) and responded to the antimicrobial therapy. This single-centered study was retrospective and observational. Critically ill GN-BSI patients over 18 years old who had clinical and microbiological responses to antibiotic treatment were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to eGFR (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2 and ≥30 mL/min/1.73m2) and compared for PCT kinetic at seven different measurement points as initial, first, third, fifth, seventh, tenth, and fourteenth days. The study included 138 patients. Initial PCT levels were higher in patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2 (4.58 [1.36-39.4] ng/mL) than in eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73m2 (0.91 [0.32-10.2]) (p<0.001). This elevation was present at all measurement points (p<0.05). The decrease in PCT values by ≥30% (26.0% vs 47.9%; p=0.024) on the third day and ≥50% (69.2% vs 76.6%; p=0.411) on the fifth day was less in the low eGFR (<30 mL/min/1.73m2) group. The effect of low GFR on serum PCT kinetic was present in both fermenter and non-fermenter GN-BSIs but was more prominent in the fermenter group. Serum PCT levels during therapy were higher in patients with low eGFR. Early PCT (<5 days) response was not obtained in non-fermenter GN-BSI patients with low eGFR. Antibiotic revision decisions should be made more carefully in patients with low eGFR due to high initial PCT levels and slow PCT kinetic.

Tensile Deformability of Shotcrete in Tunnel Primary Support: A Case Study

Shotcrete strain in the primary support of a tunnel will produce non-loading strain at an early age due to the influence of its own temperature change, hardening shrinkage, spraying force, and other factors, which means that current strain-monitoring results fail to reflect the real strain, and the strain value after stabilization is high. In addition, tensile strain may be evident in the final result, even exceeding the tensile warning value, but, in actuality, the on-site lining is very stable, with no cracks or damage. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the strain characteristics of shotcrete in the primary support of a tunnel. Based on the long-span tunnel project at Shishan Road Station on the Qingdao Metro Line 6, in situ and indoor pull tests of concrete strain were designed while only considering temperature change, hardening shrinkage, and spraying force. This study shows the following: (1) The strain in shotcrete is greatly affected by temperature changes, hardening shrinkage, and shotcrete force in the first three days, reaching its peak value in the second to third days, while tending to be stable at about the seventh day. (2) The real strain of the shotcrete was tested, and the warning value was adjusted from 90 με to 120 με. (3) The strain value at the third day was taken as the initial value, and the previous monitoring results were revised. The revised results align with the trends shown during real tests performed on-site, providing guidance for tunnel engineering support monitoring.

Influence of Starvation on Biochemical, Physiological, Morphological, and Transcriptional Responses Associated with Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in the Liver of Javelin Goby (Synechogobius hasta).

In this study, the influence of fasting on hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism was explored by examining biochemical, antioxidative, and morphological indicators and transcriptional expression in the liver of javelin goby (Synechogobius hasta) after 0, 3, 7, or 14 days of starvation. Marked reductions in hepatic glycogen and triglycerides occurred from the seventh day of starvation until the end of the trial (p < 0.05). However, no alterations in hepatic cholesterol or protein were detected throughout the entire experiment (p > 0.05). During fasting, the activities of pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glycogen phosphorylase a all rose firstly and then fell (p < 0.05). The activities of hepatic fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase were minimized to their lowest levels at the end of food deprivation (p < 0.05), while lipase was elevated after 7-14 days of fasting (p < 0.05). Catalase, glutathione, and the total antioxidative capacity were increased and maintained their higher values in the later stage of fasting (p < 0.05), whereas malondialdehyde was not significantly changed (p > 0.05). Hepatic vein congestion, remarkable cytoplasmic vacuoles, and irregular cell shape were present in S. hasta which endured 3-7 days of fasting and were less pronounced when food shortage was prolonged. In terms of genes associated with glucose and lipid metabolism, the hepatic phosphofructokinase gene was constantly up-regulated during fasting (p < 0.05). However, the mRNA levels of glycogen synthase and glucose-6-phosphatase were obviously lower when the food scarcity extended to 7 days or more (p < 0.05). Fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ were substantially down-regulated in S. hasta livers after 7-14 days of food deprivation (p < 0.05). However, genes involved in lipolysis and fatty acid transport were transcriptionally enhanced to varying extents and peaked at the end of fasting (p < 0.05). Overall, starvation lasting 7 days or more could concurrently mobilize hepatic carbohydrates and fat as energy resources and diminished their hepatic accumulation by suppressing biosynthesis and enhancing catabolism and transport, ultimately metabolically and structurally perturbing the liver in S. hasta. This work presents preliminary data on the dynamic characteristics of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in S. hasta in response to starvation, which may shed light on the sophisticated mechanisms of energetic homeostasis in fish facing nutrient unavailability and may benefit the utilization/conservation of S. hasta.

Design and Characterization of Liposomal-Based Carriers for the Encapsulation of Rosa canina Fruit Extract: In Vitro Gastrointestinal Release Behavior.

The increasing demand for natural compounds as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants and conservans has led to the utilization of secondary plant metabolites in the food industry, as these bioactive compounds possess great antioxidative and antimicrobial properties without side effects on human health. Despite this, the sensitivity of plant-derived compounds is a restrictive factor in terms of their full potential. The current research aimed to characterize rosehip-fruit-extract-loaded liposomes (non-treated and UV-irradiated) in terms of their density, surface tension, viscosity, chemical composition (FTIR and HPLC analyses), and thermal behavior. In the storage stability study, the vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, conductivity, and mobility of the liposomes were monitored. FTIR analysis confirmed that the plant compounds were successfully loaded within the carrier, while no chemical reaction between the rosehip fruit extract and phospholipids was detected. The results of the HPLC analysis evidence the high potential for liposomal encapsulation to protect sensitive bioactives in the rosehip fruit extract from the degrading effect of UV irradiation. The size of the rosehip-fruit-extract-encapsulated liposomes increased on the seventh day of storage from 250 nm to 300 nm, while the zeta potential values were between -21 mV and -30 mV in the same period and further stabilized over 60 days of monitoring. In Vitro release studies in water and simulated gastrointestinal fluids showed that the presence of enzymes and bile salts (in intestinal fluid) enhanced the rosehip-polyphenol permeability from liposomes (70.3% after 6 h) compared with their release in water after 24 h and in gastric fluid after 4 h (38.9% and 41.4%, respectively). The obtained results indicate that the proliposome method was an effective method for rosehip fruit extract liposomal encapsulation and for the delivery of these plant-derived bioactives in foods.

Early B lymphocyte subsets in blood predict prognosis in sepsis.

B lymphocytes play a key role in immunosuppression. This study investigated the prognostic value of B cell subsets in sepsis. Flow cytometry was used to assess peripheral B cell subsets from patients with sepsis on the first and seventh days following admission, as well as 111 healthy controls. The patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors, based on 28-day prognosis. The analysis showed abnormal distribution and selective depletion of B cells and its subsets in the early stages of sepsis. On day 1, compared with survivors, non-survivors showed significant decreases in the proportion and absolute count of transitional (Tr) B cells, reductions in the proportion of CD5+ B cells, and increases in the proportion of double-negative (DN) B cells. On day 7, the proportions and absolute counts of Tr and CD5+ B cells significantly decreased whereas the proportion of DN B cells significantly increased in non-survivors. Ninety-four survivors and 15 non-survivors were included in our paired-sample rank-sum test. Compared to day 1, only the survivors showed significant increases in absolute B, Tr B, and CD5+ B cell counts by day 7. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the proportion of DN B cells on day 1 (hazard ratio = 1.092 [95% confidence interval: 1.035-1.152], P = 0.001) was a risk factor for mortality, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with proportions of DN B cells > 11.81% on day 1 had poorer prognoses. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that B cell subset parameters could predict mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.741) and enhanced the prognostic value of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (AUC, 0.840). Our study revealed that deficiencies of B, Tr B, and CD5+ B cells, as well as a persistent increase in the proportion of DN B cells, were associated with poor prognosis-and that B cell subsets showed predictive value to mortality. These results provide new insights into the roles of B cell subsets in sepsis, as well as ways to better manage its progression and predict its course.

Field evaluation of plant oil formulations as potential control measures against the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley)

The cotton crop is heavily infested by various insect pests, including Phenacoccus solenopsis. Antagonistic plants offer an alternative source of insect biocontrol agents because they contain various bioactive materials, many of which are selective or have no adverse effects on non-target organisms or the environment, unlike synthetic insecticides. Therefore, three locally available plant oils were tested to evaluate their efficacy in reducing P. solenopsis in cotton fields. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference (DF = 3, 23; F = 194.42; P = 0.0000) for the reduction of the P. solenopsis population. After the first spray, the highest overall mean reduction of P. solenopsis (61.26±10.69%) was recorded in the cotton plot sprayed with neem oil, followed by castor oil (50.11±10.94%) and mustard oil (38.30±8.39%). After the second spray, the highest overall mean reduction of P. solenopsis (70.01±9.26%) was again observed with neem oil, followed by castor oil (50.51±8.90%) and mustard oil (40.06±8.74%). Furthermore, results concluded that neem oil achieved the highest reduction of P. solenopsis population (84.45%) on the third day, with an overall reduction of 65.64±9.94%. The second-highest reduction (68.96%) with an overall reduction of 50.31±9.9% was recorded in the plot sprayed with castor oil, followed by mustard oil, which reduced the population by 54.05% with an overall reduction of 39.18±8.55%. The results also indicate that the efficacy of neem oil remained effective until the third day after spraying, while on the seventh day, the P. solenopsis population began to increase gradually.

Vitamin D and gut microbiome in preterm infants

BackgroundThe incidence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women remains high and is associated with vitamin D deficiency in infants. In normally breastfed infants, Bifidobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae are known to help in maintaining immunotolerance and prevent infection. Vitamin D in the gastrointestinal tract plays a role in determining the composition and function of intestinal bacteria. Preterm infants are vulnerable to intestinal dysbiosis and sepsis due to bacterial translocation. This study aimed to determine the association between vitamin D levels and intestinal dysbiosis.MethodsIt was a cohort study conducted in the Neonatal Unit, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Tertiary hospital in Indonesia, from November 2019 to January 2021. The inclusion criteria in this study were preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks or a birth weight of less than 1500 g. Total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were collected from the umbilical cords of very preterm or very low birth weight infants. A fecal examination was performed on the seventh day of life to assess intestinal bacteria using real-time PCR for four bacterial genera: Bifidobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Clostridiaceae.ResultsA total of 43 infants were included in this study. Among the subjects, 53.4% had vitamin D deficiency. There was no association identified between vitamin D deficiency and intestinal dysbiosis (RR 0.67; 95% CI (0.15–2.82), p-value = 0.531). However, the ratio of Lactobacillacecae to Enterobacteriaceae was lower in those with vitamin D deficiency.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency was not associated with dysbiosis in preterm infants. However, this study found that the ratio of Lactobacillaceae to Enterobacteriaceae in those with vitamin D deficiency was lower than in those without vitamin D deficiency. Further research is warranted to confirm this finding.

The Protective Effect of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction on Ovarian Function in Rats with Cyclophosphamide-Induced Ovarian Damage

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate if adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) treatment has any protective effect on ovarian function in rats with cyclophosphamide (CP) induced ovarian damage. Design: This was an experimental animal study. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: 25 mature cycling Wistar-Albino rats were randomized into four groups (n = 5 per group). Rats in groups 1 and 2 received single dose of intraperitoneal (i.p.) 1 mL/kg sodium chloride 0.9% (NaCl). Groups 3 and 4 received single dose of 75 mg/kg i.p. CP. On seventh day, SVF was prepared from adipose tissues of 5 additional rats and groups 1 and 3 received 0.9% NaCl i.p. injections while groups 2 and 4 received 0.2 mL i.p. injections of SVF. On day 21 all rats were euthanized, and serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, primordial, primary, secondary, antral, and atretic follicle counts, AMH positive staining follicle counts along with AMH staining intensity of the follicles were evaluated. Results: Among two CP induced ovarian damaged groups, SVF treated group showed significantly higher secondary and antral follicle and lower atretic follicle counts, significantly higher mean serum AMH levels, AMH positive antral follicle count and higher intensity of AMH positive follicle scores for primary, secondary, and antral follicles when compared to untreated group. Moreover, group 1 showed no significant difference for all parameters except antral follicle count and AMH positive staining intensity scores for antral follicles when compared to group 4. Limitations: This study was conducted on experimental rat model. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a significant protective effect of SVF against CP-induced ovarian damage which reveals the apparent need for further investigation of its precise mechanisms of action as it may provide a new treatment approach for women with premature ovarian failure.

EFEKTIVITAS SENAM NIFAS TERHADAP INVOLUSI UTERUS PADA IBU NIFAS DI PUSKESMAS MUARA TELANG KABUPATEN BANYUASIN

One of the non-conventional therapies usually given to postpartum mothers to accelerate the reduction in uterine involution is postpartum exercise. Movements in postpartum exercises can train and tighten the abdominal muscles so that they can indirectly stimulate the uterine muscles to function optimally and prevent post-partum bleeding. The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of postpartum exercise on uterine involution in postpartum women at the Muara Telang Community Health Center, Banyuasin Regency. The research method used was a control group design approach. The population was all postpartum mothers totaling 40 people and a sample of 20 people, of which 10 cases and 10 controls used purposive sampling technique. The data analysis used was the Chi Square test. Research results: There was a difference in uterine involution before and after postpartum exercise, the pretest average value was 10.90 and the posttest average value was 3.50, whereas in the control cases on the first day and on the seventh day the average value was 11. 20 and an average value of 5.70, so there is a difference before and after giving postpartum exercises on uterine involution in postpartum mothers at the Muara Telang Community Health Center, Banyuasin Regency. It is hoped that postpartum mothers will increase their knowledge about the benefits of postpartum exercise.

Assessing the Utility of Prediction Scores PAINT, ISARIC4C, CHIS, and COVID-GRAM at Admission and Seven Days after Symptom Onset for COVID-19 Mortality.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for accurate prognostic tools to predict patient outcomes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of four prominent COVID-19 prediction scores-PAINT, ISARIC4C, CHIS, and COVID-GRAM-at two critical time points: at admission and seven days post-symptom onset, to assess their utility in predicting mortality among hospitalized patients. Conducted at the Clinical Emergency Hospital Pius Brînzeu in Timișoara, this retrospective analysis included adult patients hospitalized with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Eligible patients had complete data for the scores at both time points. Statistical analysis involved ROC curves and logistic regression to assess the scores' predictive accuracy for mortality. The study included 215 patients, split into 139 survivors and 76 non-survivors. At admission, the PAINT, ISARIC4C, CHIS, and COVID-GRAM scores significantly differentiated between the survival outcomes (p < 0.0001). The best cutoff values at admission were 6.26 for PAINT, 7.95 for ISARIC4C, 5.58 for CHIS, and 0.63 for COVID-GRAM, corresponding to sensitivities of 85.47%, 80.56%, 88.89%, and 83.33% and specificities of 77.34%, 82.12%, 75.01%, and 78.45%, respectively. By day seven, the cutoff values increased, indicating deteriorating conditions in patients who eventually succumbed to the virus. The hazard ratios at admission for exceeding these cutoffs were significant: PAINT (HR = 3.45), ISARIC4C (HR = 2.89), CHIS (HR = 4.02), and COVID-GRAM (HR = 3.15), highlighting the scores' abilities to predict severe outcomes. One week post symptom onset, these scores' predictive values and corresponding hazard ratios increased, further validating their prognostic significance over time. The evaluated COVID-19 prediction scores robustly predict mortality at admission and become more predictive by the seventh day of symptom onset. These findings support the use of these scores in clinical settings to facilitate early identification and intervention for high-risk patients, potentially improving patient outcomes during the ongoing global health crisis.

Shikonin mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity in mice: the role of sirtuin-1, NLRP3 inflammasome, autophagy, and apoptosis.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the protective potential of shikonin (SHK) on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced cardiotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Mice received SHK in three different doses by oral gavage daily for 14 days and CP at 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally once on the seventh day. On the 15th day, mice were euthanized, blood collected, and hearts were removed to estimate various biochemical and histopathological parameters. CP significantly increased serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, troponin I and NT pro-BNP, and cardiac malondialdehyde and decreased cardiac total antioxidant capacity and Nrf2, whereas increased inflammatory markers in the cardiac tissues. CP also caused hypertrophy and fibrosis in the cardiac tissues via activation of IL6/JAK2/STAT3 while depressed SIRT1 and PI3K/p-Akt pathway with consequent increased apoptosis and dysregulation of autophagy. SHK treatment reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner and showed a significant protective effect against CP-induced cardiotoxicity via suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis with modulation of autophagy via induction of SIRT1/PI3K/p-Akt signaling. Shikonin may be used as an adjuvant to cyclophosphamide in cancer treatment, but further research is needed to investigate its effects on cardiotoxicity in distinct animal cancer models.

Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Advanced Heart Failure Patients-Preliminary Report.

In end-stage heart failure, which is characterized by persistent or progressive ventricular dysfunction despite optimal medical therapy, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can be beneficial. Congestive heart failure provokes inflammatory and prothrombotic activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of citrullinated histone 3 (CH3) representing neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in patients referred for LVAD implantation. There were 10 patients with a median age of 61 (57-65) years enrolled in a prospective single-center analysis who underwent LVAD implantation. The CH3 plasma concentration was measured preoperatively and on the 1st and 7th postoperative days, followed by control measurements on the median (Q1-3) 88th (49-143) day. The preoperative CH3 concentration strongly correlated with brain natriuretic peptide (r = 0.879, p < 0.001). Significant differences in CH3 serum concentration were observed between pre- and postoperative measurements, including an increase on the first postoperative day (p < 0.001), as well as a decrease on the seventh day (p = 0.016) and in follow-up (p < 0.001). CH3 concentration, as a marker of NET formation, decreases after LVAD implantation.

The Effects of STRA6 Regulation of the Circadian Rhythm on Choroidal Neovascularization.

This study aims to investigate the relationship among STRA6, circadian rhythm, and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) formation, as well as the regulatory mechanism of STRA6 in CNV under circadian rhythm disturbances. C57BL/6J male mice (aged 6 weeks) were randomly divided into control and jet lag groups (using a time shift method every 4days to disrupt the molecular clock's capacity to synchronize with a stable rhythm). A laser-induced CNV model was established in both the control and the jet lag group after 2 weeks of jet lag. The size of CNV lesions and vascular leakage were detected by morphological and imaging examination on the seventh day post laser. STRA6 was screened by full transcriptome sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to assess the variation and association of STRA6 in the GSE29801 dataset. The effects of STRA6 were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. The pathway mechanism was further elucidated and confirmed through immunofluorescence of paraffin sections and Western blotting. The disturbance of circadian rhythm promotes the formation of CNV. Patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) exhibited higher levels of STRA6 expression compared to the control group, and STRA6 was enriched in pathways related to angiogenesis. In addition, CLOCK and BMAL1, which are initiators that drive the circadian cycle, had regulatory effects on STRA6. Knocking down STRA6 reversed the promotion of CNV formation caused by circadian rhythm disturbance in vivo, and it also affected the proliferation, migration, and VEGF secretion of RPE cells without circadian rhythm in vitro, as well as impacting endothelial cells. Through activation of the JAK2/STAT3/VEGFA signaling pathway in unsynchronized RPE cells, STRA6 promotes CNV formation. This study suggests that STRA6 reduces CNV production by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation after circadian rhythm disturbance. The results suggest that STRA6 may be a new direction for the treatment of AMD.

Modified minimally invasive surgical technique with clindamycin-augmented or non-augmented platelet-rich fibrin in periodontal regeneration: A randomized clinical trial.

Injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF), a second-generation platelet concentrate, is widely used to enhance soft and hard tissue healing alone or in combination with biomaterials, relying on its harboring of various pivotal growth/differentiation factors. This randomized trial assessed the effect of clindamycin (CLN) augmented injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) with modified minimally invasive surgical technique (M-MIST) versus I-PRF alone with M-MIST on the clinical and radiographic parameters in the management of periodontal intra-bony defects in patients with stage-III grade B periodontitis. This is a 9-month parallel-grouped, two arm, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) that included 28 patients (n = 28) with stage-III grade B periodontitis, who were allocated randomly to test- (CLN/I-PRF + M-MIST, 50 μL of CLN per 1 mL of I-PRF; n = 14) or control-group (I-PRF + M-MIST; n = 14). Clinical attachment level (CAL; primary outcome), probing depth (PD), gingival margin level (GML), plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI) were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months, whereas radiographic parameters radiographic linear defect depth (RLDD), and radiographic defect area (RDA) were recorded at baseline, 6, and 9 months. The CLN release kinetics from the I-PRF were further characterized. Compared to baseline, both groups independently demonstrated significant improvements in CAL, PD, GML, GI, PI, RLDD and BDA at 3, 6 and 9 months (p < .05). A significant reduction in CAL measurements was noticeable in the CLN/I-PRF + M-MIST and I-PRF + M-MIST group independently over time (p < .05). CLN/I-PRF + M-MIST showed significantly lower CAL than PRF + M-MIST group at baseline, after three as well as 9 months (p < .05). Intergroup comparisons at 9 months demonstrated that CAL-gain was non-significant between groups (p > .05), GI significantly lower in CLN/I-PRF + M-MIST, whereas PD-reduction significantly higher I-PRF + M-MIST group (p < .05). CLN was steadily released for the I-PRF for up to 48 h, with a peak concentration at 24 h, which then gradually declined till the seventh day. I-PRF with M-MIST provided significant clinical and radiographic improvement up to 9 months postoperatively in stage-III grade B periodontitis. CLN, at the applied concentration and release duration, does not appear to further positively impact these observed I-PRF effects.

BENEFITS OF TEAS AND PROBIOTIC PROFILE AT SPECIFIC STAGES OF EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMEN IN CHICKEN EGGS

Introduction: The Sharr Mountain is characterized by a highly expressed biological diversity, with a particular endemism and a wide spectrum of various types of flora characteristic of this mountainous massif. Plants with nutritional and health benefits can be considered species such as: mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), etc. These bioproducts are characterized by special importance both in terms of their presence, quality, and health benefits. Therefore, exploration of these species would have positive cost for consumption as forms of teas or plant extracts for commercial purposes, but also for health benefits and above all for the population of the country, the region, and beyond. Research Objective: This study aims to investigate the probiotics and the effect of plant extract teas such as mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) by applying a specific dose of extract to chicken embryos at different stages of ontogenesis. Materials and Methods: Fertilized chicken eggs were taken for the study and were incubated in an incubator for 21 days. The eggs were treated with species such as mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) at certain stages of embryonic development. The eggs were opened on the seventh, fourteenth, and twenty-first day. Macroscopic and microscopic changes at certain stages of embryonic development were analyzed using stereomicroscope.The effect of the extract of these teas was studied on the chicken embryos (Gallus domesticus), by applying a specific dose of extract to the chicken embryos at different stages of embryonic development during ontogenesis. Research Results: The dose given in the form of extract has resulted in positive benefits of these teas as effective probiotics during certain stages of embryonic development in chicken embryos. Conclusions: This research will explore the effect of the given dose of plant extracts at certain stages of embryonic development during ontogenesis to observe the benefits of dose administration at specific quantities and times to detect the positive effect of these teas.

A Study of Metaphor Translation Strategies in C-E Translation of The Seventh Day

Purpose: Taking the English translation of Yu Hua s novel The Seventh Day as a case study, this paper analyzes the metaphorical effects in literary works and examines the metaphor translation strategies employed in the English translation of The Seventh Day to provide insights for the metaphor translation. Methodology: Elaborating on the cultural implications of metaphors in the original text and using conceptual metaphor theory as a research framework, specific metaphor translation cases in its English translation are studied. Results: Through the study of the original text of The Seventh Day, it is found that the author employs various metaphorical rhetorical devices, imbuing the work with profound philosophical meanings and cultural nuances. Analysis of its translation reveals that translators utilize various strategies to handle metaphors, balancing the literary flavor and cultural implications with the acceptance of target language readers. However, challenges arise in fully conveying the deep meanings of certain metaphors due to cultural differences and differences in language expression habits. Conclusion: Metaphorical language often carries cultural characteristics. To achieve effective metaphor translation, translators should prioritize serving readers, deeply understand the cultural backgrounds of both source and target languages, and employ flexible translation techniques to faithfully convey the style and emotions of the original work.

Therapeutic effects of high monounsaturated fatty acid and low carbohydrate formula on blood glucose levels and diarrhea in critically ill neurological patients

To investigate the effects of using a high monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and low carbohydrate formula on blood glucose levels and diarrhea treatment effects in critically ill neurological patients. A self-controlled before-and-after study design was employed, with 13 patients admitted to the neurology intensive care unit (ICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from November to December 2023, who were treated with a high MUFA and low carbohydrate formula [Glucerna enteral nutrition (EN) preparation]. Changes in blood glucose parameters within 7 days before and after the use of Glucerna EN preparation were analyzed, including standard deviation (SD) of blood glucose, mean blood glucose (MG), median blood glucose, mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), largest amplitude of glycemic excursions (LAGE), coefficient of variation (CV) of blood glucose, the incidence of hyperglycemia (> 7.8 mmol/L) and severe hyperglycemia (> 13.9 mmol/L), and daily insulin dose. Changes in total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count (WBC) were observed before and after intervention. Improvement in diarrhea symptoms, Hart diarrhea score, Bristol Stool classification score, and incontinence dermatitis classification were also analyzed before and after the use of Glucerna EN preparation. A total of 13 critically ill neurological patients were enrolled, among whom 9 patients had a history of hyperglycemia and 8 patients had diarrhea symptoms. After intervention with Glucerna, the patients' SD of blood glucose, MG, median blood glucose, MAGE, LAGE, CV of blood glucose, incidence of hyperglycemia, incidence of severe hyperglycemia, and daily insulin dose were all lower than those before the intervention [SD of blood glucose (mmol/L): 1.83±1.11 vs. 2.10±1.13, MG (mmol/L): 8.87±2.03 vs. 9.75±1.37, median blood glucose (mmol/L): 9.12±1.67 vs. 10.17±0.48, MAGE (mmol/L): 0.66±0.31 vs. 0.78±0.32, LAGE (mmol/L): 4.95±3.64 vs. 5.58±3.10, CV of blood glucose: 16.00% (11.00%, 28.50%) vs. 18.00% (12.50%, 27.50%), hyperglycemia incidence: 47.31% vs. 74.66%, severe hyperglycemia incidence: 6.08% vs. 6.71%, daily insulin dose (U): 5.25 (0.00, 32.59) vs. 20.76 (0.00, 66.88)], with a significant decrease in daily insulin dose after the intervention (P < 0.05); TP, ALB, Hb, CRP and WBC showed no significant changes before and after the intervention with Glucerna EN preparation. The improvement time of diarrhea symptoms after intervention was (3.50±1.41) days, and the Hart diarrhea score on the seventh day after intervention (4.88±3.48 vs. 10.00±3.38) and the Bristol Stool classification score on the third and seventh days after intervention (5.87±0.35, 5.50±0.53 vs. 6.50±0.53) were significantly lower than before the intervention (all P < 0.05). Before the intervention with Glucerna EN preparation, the classification of incontinence dermatitis was mainly classified as Grade 2 severity (71.43%); after the intervention, it significantly improved by the seventh day, with Grade 1 being the main classification (57.14%). The high MUFA and low carbohydrate formula has a positive effect on blood glucose control and diarrhea treatment in critically ill neurological patients.

Detection of Iturin A from Bacillus atrophaeus by HPLC and Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Evaluation of its Antifungal Activity

Background: Bacillus species create several kinds of metabolites, which contain cyclic lipopeptide-type antibiotics, consisting of three major families: fengycin, surfactin, and iturin. Iturin demonstrates powerful biocontrol characteristics and can restrain the growth of a diversity of plant fungal pathogens. Objective: The current study investigates the identification of iturin A from Bacillus atrophaeus using HPLC and Mass spectrometry analysis and evaluate its antifungal effects. Materials and Methods: In this study, the lipopeptide antibiotics were isolated by HPLC and characterized by MS. Then, the lipopeptides were examined for their ability to antagonize the growth of different pathogenic fungi. Antifungal performance of the lipopeptides was determined against Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Mucor hiemalis according to well diffusion and percentage of growth inhibition. Results: Bacillus atrophaeus HNSQJYH170, isolated from Isfahan soil, offered strong fungicidal activity by producing cyclic lipopeptide-type antibiotics. Inhibition zones were 17.55, 17, 18.50, and 20.99 mm, and the percentages of growth inhibition were 78.54, 62.55, 83.11, and 84/95 for Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Mucor hiemalis and Aspergillus niger, respectively. The spectrum represented the iturins family in retention times of 32.423–33.893 min. MS demonstrated molecular ion peaks (M+H) + for iturin at m/z 1029.55, 1043.60, 1051.55, 1065.60, 1079.60 and 1093.65. The inhibition rate against all fungi on the seventh day of incubation was higher than 80%. Among them, Aspergillus niger was the most sensitive fungal species with an average of 84.95% inhibition. Conclusion: According to the results, Bacillus atrophaeus HNSQJYH170 could operate as a biocontrol agent against a wide spectrum of pathogenic fungi.